Ashes to smashes: Andrew Flintoff can hit them for six, says Nathan Cleverly

Nathan Cleverly says Freddie Flintoff needs to harness his Ashes spirit when he makes his boxing debut on November 30

Ready to rumble: Flintoff will make his professional boxing debut on November 30

World champion Nathan Cleverly says if Andrew Flintoff can harness his Ashes spirit he'll be a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring.

Flintoff will make his professional debut at the MEN Arena on November 30 after being granted a license for his transition from cricket.

Many have questioned Flintoff's right to fight and WBO world light-heavyweight champion Cleverly has warned the 34-year-old the ring can be a lonely battle ground.

"Freddie was pretty chuffed to meet me and he said he'd seen me fight before, which was nice," Cleverly said.

"I believe that boxing is the hardest sport out there and for anyone to step through the ropes proves they've got the fire for a fight.

"Freddie's had a few battles on the cricket pitch with his team-mates but when it's one-on-one in a boxing ring, that's when you've got to really stand and prove your character.

"Freddie's made of the tough stuff, he was a beast on the pitch having the Aussies on the run, so he's got to take that same fire and desire he showed when England won the Ashes in 2005 into the ring with him.

"I said to Freddie that it's going to be the hardest thing he has done, but the buzz from winning and with the crowd cheering will be well worth it."

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Support: Nathan Cleverly says Flintoff is tough enough to do well in the boxing ring

Cleverly will discover on Thursday whether unbeaten American Ryan Coyne is to remain his opponent in Los Angeles on November 10.

Cleverly's planned title defence against Coyne was plunged into doubt by a legal dispute between the challenger and his promoter Don King.

King has threatened Coyne and Frank Warren with a lawsuit if the fight goes ahead, but the matter will now be settled in court in two days' time.

If it is decided the 30-year-old from Missouri is in breach of contract, Warren has a short list of three alternatives to step in.